House Democrats Call for ‘Swift Action’ on Cannabis Rescheduling

In a letter to Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) head Anne Milgram, Congressmen Jarrold Nadler (D-NY) and Fran Pallone Jr., (D-NJ) called for “swift action” by the agency to transfer cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III of the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA). 

Nadler is a ranking member of the House Committee on the Judiciary, while Pallone, Jr. is a ranking member of the chamber’s Committee on Energy and Commerce.

“We value the Department of Justice’s steadfast commitment to prevent the misuse and diversion of controlled substances that pose a threat to public health. Amidst a devastating opioid and overdose crisis, it is imperative that law enforcement and public health agencies focus efforts on the biggest threats to Americans. When Congress passed the CSA, it recognized that our scientific and medical understanding is constantly evolving and granted the Attorney General and the Secretary of [Health and Human Services] important responsibilities in ensuring that the law reflects this knowledge.” — Nadler and Pallone Jr. in the letter  

In October 2022, President Joe Biden (D) directed the Justice Department to initiate the process to make the change. In May, the agency began that process, which Biden described at the time as “monumental.” As part of the proposal, the DEA opened a public comment period and, according to a Headset analysis, nine out of the 10 comments backed the rescheduling plan, with many calling for descheduling cannabis entirely.  

The DEA has set the rescheduling hearing for December 2 – less than a month after the election.